Can You Run

There's smoke down by the river*

Hear the cannon and the drum

I've got one thing to ask you honey

Can you run?

You know I hate to ask so late

But the moment's finally come

And there won't be time to change your mind

Can you run?

Can you run, to the freedom line of the Lincoln soldiers?

Where the contraband can be a man

With a musket on his shoulder

I've got to stand up tall before I'm done

Wrap these hands of mine around a gun

And chase the taste of bondage from my tongue

Can you run?

Can you run?

I'm takin nothin with me

We've just got time to beat the sun

And the boys in gray are never far away

Can you run?

(repeat chorus)

There's smoke down by the river

Hear the cannon and the drum

And even if I die, I've got to try

Can you run?

(repeat chorus)

Can you run?

Can you run?